Animal Profiles
Tardigrades

Tardigrade

Tardigrada

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Tardigrades are microscopic animals commonly called water bears. Some can enter dormant states that allow them to withstand drying and other harsh conditions.

Tardigrada

Microscope image of a tardigrade.

Schokraie E, Warnken U, Hotz-Wagenblatt A, Grohme MA, Hengherr S, et al. (2012) · CC BY

At a glance

Location
Water films on moss and other vegetation, freshwater habitats and marine environments.
Habitat
Wetlands, Rivers and lakes
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Cell contents, microorganisms and, in some species, small animals.

Classification

Common name
Tardigrade
Browse group
Tardigrades
Scientific name or taxon
Tardigrada
Taxon rank
phylum

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • They have four pairs of legs.
  • Water bears is another common name.
  • Some species survive drying through dormancy.

Habitat and range

Water films on moss and other vegetation, freshwater habitats and marine environments.

Appearance and adaptations

Four pairs of short legs support a compact body covered by a cuticle. Piercing mouthparts extract fluids from food.

Diet and behaviour

Active tardigrades require water. Some respond to drying by greatly reducing activity and retracting their legs into a compact dormant form.

Sources

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